Children with disabilities—such as physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities—are at an increased risk of being bullied. Any number of factors— physical vulnerability, social skill challenges, or intolerant environments—may increase the risk. Research suggests that some children with disabilities may bully others as well.

Children and youth who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), or are perceived to be so, can face unrelenting teasing and bullying by their peers. Because this aggression can be sexual in nature, the effects closely resemble those of sexual harassment and in some cases may constitute sexual harassment.

The UFT has launched a campaign to help combat bullying in our schools. It’s called Be BRAVE Against Bullying; BRAVE stands for Building Respect, Acceptance and Voice through Education. The campaign provides educators and parents with the tools, knowledge and support to be pro-active in confronting and stopping bullying. It builds on the city’s Respect for All campaign.

Nine-year-old Gerry Orz's production of an anti-bullying movie, "Day of Silence,(DOFS)."
Gerry would like nothing less than for his message to be shared across schools with the hope of raising awareness of how we can all share a part in ending bullying. Gerry and his friends believe with a little help, they can change the world.

The film BULLY follows five stories of children and families who are affected deeply by bullying within the course of a school year. With intimate glimpses into homes, classrooms, cafeterias, and principals’ offices, the film offers insight into the lives of bullied, ridiculed children. Historically, seemingly small instances of labeling and ridicule have catastrophic consequences for the marginalized groups involved. This film brings those “small” instances into the spotlight creating a space to discuss the effects of bullying. The accompanying guide tells the personal stories of those bullied, and suggests that improving school climate takes fostering a reflective and engaging learning community.
Features include:
• Essential background information about bullying, including testimony and research findings from experts who have studied the effects of bullying on children, parents, and communities.
• Facinghistory.org/safeschools provides additional resources about creating safe and caring school environments.
• A “toolbox” of discussion strategies that will help facilitate honest, open dialogue about the film with groups of students and adults alike.